Tag Archives: alopecia

People with alopecia want better access to good quality wigs to help with the psychological impacts of the condition

The NHS should fund real hair wigs for people with alopecia and better recognise the psychological impacts, people with the condition have said.

Julie Mees was diagnosed more than two years ago after her mother noticed a bald patch the size of a coin on the back of her head.The hair loss has since worsened, and she will eventually be completely bald.NHS Wales funds wigs for patients with hair loss but they are often made with synthetic hair.

The Welsh Government said health boards were given a list of approved suppliers to choose from for patients who have alopecia, burns or have lost hair because of treatments such as chemotherapy.

They also help patients with fitting and styling.But it is up to each health board how much funding they provide – meaning people in some areas could be offered more to buy a wig than others. Former lecturer Ms Mees, from Barry, said the £50 voucher she was given would only buy a synthetic wig from a specific shop, and she was not able to offset that against the cost of going private. She saved £600 of her own money for a real hair topper – a type of mini wig.

“They give you a voucher to take to a shop for what I call a ‘wiggy wig’… like a fancy dress costume, which look awful and do absolutely nothing for the person’s emotional and psychological needs,” she said. “Your hair is the first thing people see… I’ve always had long hair, it’s part of my identity.

“I’m losing it all and that’s emotionally hard, it’s very difficult.”It’s a case of if you have good finances, you can live life normally.”

Ms Mees added those overwhelmed by the search for good quality wigs could end up paying over the odds, and she had since found a supplier for half the price she originally paid.

Diane Shawe Top Hair Extensions and Hairloss Educator, Consultant and author in two of her recent blogs about hairloss tackled the subject of wigs.

Moira Jones’ 18-year-old son Thomas Barry, from Cardiff, has had alopecia universalis – complete loss of hair from the scalp and body. He started losing his hair when he was 11, and it was gone within three months.

Doctors believe his body is producing an allergic reaction, reacting as though hair is a disease – but no treatment has helped so far.

Ms Jones has paid more than £2,000 for two wigs for her son but neither was suitable. She said she was not helped by the NHS in her search and her son has never been offered counselling.”He was really strong, stronger than everybody else around him,” she added.

Thomas wore two beanie hats – in case one fell off – to hide his scalp during his teenage years, even during sleepovers and in the heat of summer. When he went to Camp America last summer, his hair began to grow back in the sunshine – but fell out on his return to the UK.

While Thomas’ experiences abroad have given him the confidence to go without a hat at university, Ms Jones feels the family should have received more support.

Betsi Cadwaladr, Cwm Taf, Hywel Dda, Abertawe Bro Morgannwg and Aneurin Bevan health boards said they fund two wigs per person annually. They said all suppliers go through a procurement process to ensure quality.

Cardiff and Vale and Powys health boards were also asked to comment. Amy Johnson, from the charity Alopecia UK , said: “For many people with alopecia, wearing a wig is an essential part of managing the psychological impact of losing their hair; those who wear wigs for medical necessity don’t see their wig as an optional luxury.

“The charity hears from individuals who struggle to go to work or school, or even leave the house. There should be provision within the NHS to support individuals with access to suitable wigs.”

Tina is classed as a vunerable person. After suffering many health issues including cancer, Tina wanted to attend a forthcoming wedding looking lovely and having hair like she use too.

She made contact with a mobile person who had been advertising for over 4 years on gumtree. (Now there is nothing wrong with gumtree it offer an effective service) She explained her problem and what she wanted. The technician said she could provide the service, quoted her several hundreds of pounds and said she would personally deliver and fit the bespoke wig the following week after requesting a £200 deposit.

The following week she turned up on the doorstep of her now client, put the wig on her head, added some glue collected several hundreds of pounds by bank transfer and requested she receive another £10 cash for a taxi to the train station.

The following week this clients head was on fire, she had an allergy reaction to the glue and nylon base and the wig kept falling off her head.

The technician failed to do a pre consultation, measure her head, find out about any allergies or even do a pre fitting.

So here are the things you should look out for prior to doing business with a mobile hair and beauty self employed person

A) Do they have insurance

Whether you are working from home or a commercial site you can get businesses insurance. Normally insurance companies want evidence of your qualifications and experience.

B) Do they have a certificate of Business registration

All businesses should register with their local authority who will do a site visit to see if you comply with health and safety. They seems thou a certificate of registration once thou comply.

C) Do they have a website or facebook page

Often they will display previous clients photos or reviews. Contact details and trading address.

D) Do they have references or reviews

Facebook, google or blogs will give you a window into what clients think of their services.

E) Do they have a letterhead or invoice

Apart from setting a good tone, contact details sms brand is clearly visible.

F) Do they have terms and condition of service and sales

This is important. It gives you am ideas of how they will deal with problem, guaranteed work and what you can expect from them.

G) What is there money back or put it right policy.

It is important to understand this and get it in writing, even a text message to your phone from there’s is evidence

Dont be afraid to ask. Your risk assessment will pay off

Needless to say we were there to help her with her hair goals and achieved the results she wanted.

Hair loss has been a major concern for both genders in recent times. However, very few people actually know about the causes which include stress. Stress sometimes induces hair loss which is sometimes irreversible. There are various treatments which can treat and disguise hairloss.

The link between stress and hair loss

Stress can lead to Telogen Effluvium which is a medical condition leading to hair loss. Telogen effluvium is often responsible for large portions of hair loss, where the hair typically falls out in ‘handfuls’. Up to 70% of scalp hair can be lost through this condition. Telogen effluvium doesn’t actually cause hair loss, instead it causes the hair to stop growing.

Stress can also lead to a condition called Alopecia Areata. This causes white blood cells to attack the hair follicles in the scalp, leading to very instantaneous hair loss. Hair often falls out in patches, but total hair loss can affect the whole scalp in the space of a few weeks. In very extreme cases, alopecia areata can also affect body hair – causing it to fall out as well.

After hair has fallen out due to stress, it often grows back. However, in some instances it does not and treatment can be required. We can advise on multiple solutions to help prevent, slow down or disguise hair loss caused from stress.

Disguising hair loss during treatment

We specialise in 16 different hair extensions techniques, contact us for a free consultation

The celebrities have known this secret for years and we’ve seen how well it works for them-now it’s your turn to help turn heads for yourself or your clients!

How a qualified Hair Enhancement technician can help clients restore their confidence if they have suffered over 60% or more hair loss from medication, treatment, hair damage, alopecia or stress.

On average a hair enhancement technicians may charge between £500-£4000 for a hand-tied silk base lace wig. Skilled artisans spend between 40-60 hours attaching the hair strand by strand to the custom made base. Quality Hair enhancement systemcan start from as little as £380.00

A hair enhancement system gives your client a feeling of freedom. They are very light, cool and very breathable. They are the ultimate in comfort. They also are virtually invisible and undetectable to sight and touch. This is the most natural looking way to change your look.

A great advantage to wearing hair enhancement system is they are very versatile and can be worn during all normal activities including working out and swimming, although it is advisable not to get the unit too wet or to sweat in it for the first 24 hours after applying adhesives and tapes.

This will ensure secure application of the piece. We advise that any system used is made with 100% Remy treated Human Hair, which is the highest quality hair available. It is very beautiful and full bodied.

Whether your client is looking for a product that offers a beautiful image change, a solution to excessive hair-loss, thinning hair and hair-loss from alopecia or chemotherapy, a hair enhancement unit is made to the same high standard and are unquestionably superior to the very best of existing products.

• That these new systems can replace your own hair and make your hair look as though it is growing out of your scalp all over no matter which direction you style or comb it
• That these systems can be worn for very long periods of time with just a bit of glue around the edges
• That you can thread your own hair through these systems
• That you can weave a lace of hair all over your own head to get a seamless look
• That you can wear a system continueously for 6 months without any maintainence
• European girls cannot wear hair enhancement systems

Facts

What is hair enhancement system?

A hair enhancement system is made out of French Lace or Swiss Lace and is virtually undetectable to the naked eye when placed against the skin. This is most definitely the case of a quality handmade hair enhancement system. (The hair is knotted into the lace and appears to grow from the scalp offering a natural appearance. Only a hair enhancement system can be trusted to maintain the illusion of growing hair and it’s the preferred choice of celebrities, actors, and people in media.

There’s more to adding Hair

What is a hair enhancement system made from?

All hair enhancement system are made with 100% Indian Remy or Asian Remy human hair. The “lace ” portion of the system allows recession on the scalp for an all natural hair line as if the hair were growing directly from the scalp. The various types of cap bases include – French Lace, Swiss Lace, French Lace + Ear to Ear Stretch, and French Lace with Thin Skin Nape. The system are made with 100% Cuticle hair and each hair is individually hand-tied for allowing for a tangle free hair styling solution.

• Indian Remy or Asian Remy hair
• French or Swiss Hair enhancement system
• Stretch lace and or/Thin Skin at the rear
• Hand Tied All Hair enhancement system
• Free Style Part – Hair can be parted anywhere within hair enhancement systemand worn in low or high ponytail.

French Lace

French lace is a strong material used at the front edge of a hairpiece in combination with bleached knots to give and extremely undetectable look. The knots are not hidden by lace, but using lighter knots creates the illusion of growing hair. French lace is less fragile than Swiss lace and with care could last a long time.

Swiss Lace

Swiss Lace is more fragile than French lace but strong enough if handled carefully. It is the most undetectable but also very delicate. Swiss lace needs to be handled with care and is not recommended for first time users to lace front wigs.

French Lace + Thin Skin

French Lace + Thins Skin Nape is a very thin, clear coat of polyurethane over a clear silk base that allows for easy application and removal. This will allow a client a secure fit on the back of the head and scalp without the application of glue. It still appears extremely natural and is very flexible.

100% Human Hair Lace Systems

100% Human Hair Hair enhancement system
The benefits of human hair hair enhancement system are that they can and should be treated exactly as your own hair. Human hair can be coloured, permed, or hair can be curled or straightened with a curling iron or electric straighteners. Heat is not a problem with human hair. The hair needs the same treatment and care as growth hair, when you purchase the wig you must consider it as your own.

Why buy Remy treated Hair (cuticle hair)?

Remy treated Hair is truly superior human. The Cuticle are all kept in the same direction and is just like nature intended it to be. Texture is silky soft with subtle waves. Cuticle hair is created by careful processing which keeps the cuticle layer of the hair in place and in the same direction. The result is a superior hair item that colours beautifully- it has the highlights and natural shading just like your own hair.

Humaine Hair

This is the new breed of hair that is made for synthetic that is heat tolerant. The more expensive the Humaine hair the more natural it looks. In some ways it is much better because it holds it style, it does not require constant washing and grooming, does not require any hairsprays and can be kept in very good condition and style for a fraction of the cost and time.

About the training course

This is a really comprehensive course with both theory and practical covered over 3 days and working on a live model.

All-black everything can be daunting, the Kardashian have made it very popular however for a fresh take on this Autumn favorite, try warming up jet-black with ribbons of chestnut highlights. A few piecey, cool-toned strands like Olivia Munn’s look especially stellar on olive skin tones.

Dark Bronde

Already have a darker brownish-blond shade like Khloé Kardashian’s? Ask for a glaze. “With exposure to summer sun, your hair tends to fade and get bleached out.

Warm Copper

Consider this a marriage between dusty rose gold and deep auburn, with a warm metallic spark all its own.

On the brighter end of the copper spectrum sits Emma Roberts’ “cayenne red,” because of the rich red gleam that runs through the color. The shade contrasts her light complexion, and, maybe it’s just us, but it reminds us of autum. If you choose to go this route, it’s vital to keep the red hue from falling flat, so follow these celebrity-endorsed tips for keeping your red as vibrant as possible.

High-Contrast Roots

For anyone who dyes their hair, you understand how annoying root touch-ups can be. Instead of rushing into the salon, let your roots work in your favor this fall. By growing out your hair without a salon touch-up, it takes on a naturally lived-in appearance that celebrities like Hailey Baldwinhave proved to be fans of.

The best part of high-contrast roots, like Joan Smalls’ chic look is that there’s pretty much zero upkeep. Simply let your roots grow in and your blond ends grow out, and sooner or later—boom—you’ve got yourself ombré hair.

Ombré

If you thought ombré was over, think again, because it’s still going strong. Get Jenna Dewan Tatum’s perfect two-tone look by going cool on top, warm on the bottom. Have your colorist add a caramel-color tone from midlengths to ends in order to soften a natural brunette base.

Sandy Beige

Great news for those of you who love ultra-blond highlights in the summertime: By adding some beige-toned streaks like Behati Prinsloo’s to your hair for fall, you’ll end up with incredibly beautiful dimension and richness. Keep the color lasting longer with a few of our favorite shine-inducing hair products.

For a different take on the shade, like Jordyn Woods’ here, aim for a sandy allover color that gradually deepens, just a touch, at the roots.

About Need a Hair Makeover

Are you tired of your hair style and sick of waiting for your hair to get to the length you want, sick of chemicals, sick of your unmanagable hair? sick of thin lack lustra hair?

Well we can help using Hair Extensions. So for some women this is a no-brainer. With over 16 different hair extensions techniques there is bound to be one technique that can safely help achieve your hair goal in a short time.

So if you have short hair but want it long, straight hair but want it curly or the other way round, thin hair but want it thick, highlights without chemicals or just want some hair ,Well we have a amazingly fantastic deal to help you get started.

Why setting up a hair extension expert salon could give you a long term career?

Article written by Diane Shawe M.Ed

We have seen the hair extension market grow over the past 15 years, now there are more hair extension techniques than ever before and it can be confusing to decide which is the right one for you to either apply to your own hair or become a qualified technician.

If you are thinking of becoming a qualified technician, it is important to consider how potential clients might make their decision. Some people will make a decision based on price, others on their hair type and some based on what they need to achieve.

Here are just a few tips to help with your decision making process.

1. Wigs: Wigs are a quick and easy way to give yourself a quick makeover. What you need to bear in mind is that the cheaper the wig the more un-natural it will look. You don’t need to spend a lot of money but it is worth investing in a wig that you can use from time to time. Client will pay between £120 – £300 for a good quality wig which could last for up to 12 months.

2. Hair Pieces: There are lots of different hair pieces from pony tails to rear hair attachments in all different shades, curly, straight or plaits. There are also specialist hair pieces for thinning hair that can help disguise any problems. The thing to bear in mind is that hair pieces are not often very secure and could make you feel a little uncomfortable. Some of the ponytail pieces can be securely fixed, so if you want a demure look go for a ponytail.

3. Integrated Weaves: This is when wefts of hair is sewn onto a fine cornrow which is then hide by the bulk of your hair on top. It is a popular technique because if done correctly it can look very natural and offer up a robust and secure hair enhancement solution. If you look after the hair you can reuse it when you go back to have it re tightened. Clients could pay between £190 – £330 for the integrated weave.

4. Pre-tips: This is small pieces of hair that have been pre bonded together. They can be added in sections all over the head to aid thickening, give the impression of highlights or lowlight and length. Pre-tips can be applied using heat, micro rings or even small elastic bands. Be aware that they have to be professionally removed so as not to damage your own hair.

5. Strand by Strand (glue gun): This is when hot bond is used to bond small sections of hair to the recipients own hair. It was a very popular technique in 6 years ago, but requires professional application and removal by a qualified technician. Can give the appearance of flyaway hair that you could somewhat run your fingers through. It is a very time consuming technique and is much better for a long term wear over 3-4 months.

6) Clip in hair extensions: These are now very popular. They are best used for lengthening mid should length hair. If the hair is shorter they don’t sit very well because they can be a little bulky in appearance. They don’t offer up much security unless they have been professionally fitted. This is when a very small cornrow is done and the clips are slipped through for much added security. Great for an evening occasion but not advisable for long term wear. click to read more

7) Net Weave: This technique is used when the client wants to partially extend just a section of their hair or if the client suffers from patchy alopecia. This technique is suitable for 2-4 months wear.

8) Hook and Latch: This technique does not use any glues orhttp://www.hairextensionstraining.academy threads. It is a beautiful technique, flat to the touch and hair could be worn up. It works well with shorter hair especially the Micro ring track technique.

9) Lace Wigs: Lace wigs have become very popular. They are really good for girls with short thin hair, damaged hair, hair that needs a rest or a complete makeover. Top celebrities have made them really popular and you can see why from the video testimonial below. See Radio TV presenters new lace wig

10) Braides and Plaits: Braides and Plaits have been around for hundreds of years. A technique that can look very simple or quite exotic. Braids can be worn for a number of months until the hair grows out, they can even have beads added to the end for that extra special look.

As we see an aging population, people are becoming more confident about getting help to resolve short term or long term hair problems.HAIR EXTENSION TRAINERS AND CONSISTENT SPECIALIST SALONS
There is s shortage of qualified hair extension trainers and specialist practicianers in the UK. Visit this link to find out more and how you can become qualified and invest in this business.

13 HAIR LOSS CONDITIONS

article by Diane Shawe Author of Getting Started in the hair extensions business

There is no single explanation for hair loss but reasons can include:

Natural ageing process

Poor nutrition

Nervous disorders

Hormonal imbalances

Serious illness

Certain medications

Chemotherapy and radiotherapy

Hereditary/genetic factors

Hair loss can have a devastating effect. It’s important to know that the earlier a hair loss problem is diagnosed, the better the chances are of treating it. We always recommend seeing a qualified hair specialist to diagnose conditions.

Common hair loss conditions include:

Androgenic Alopecia (‘Pattern Baldness’)

This is one of the most common forms of hair loss. It affects both men and women and occurs in distinct patterns. In men, this form of hair loss is very obvious. At the end of the process – which can take from 15-25yrs – the only hair remaining is at the sides and the back of the head. Roughly one third of all women are affected by this type of hair loss normally on the vertex (top of the head) with the front hairline often intact. The process of shedding is on average 50-100 hairs a day.

Alopecia Areata

This condition manifests itself in patchy hair loss, usually starting with a small spot that can spread. It is an auto-immune disease where the body attacks itself, killing off the hair. In general, the onset of alopecia can be caused by illness and raised temperature, shock, viruses, inoculations, medication or a period of extreme stress 2-6 months before a bald patch appears. It’s important to remember that early diagnosis and treatment can minimise the effects of the condition. Following diagnosis, many patients are extremely anxious which can also exacerbate the problem. It is advisable to seek specialist advice on how relieve stress and help hair growth to resume.

Alopecia Totalis

Alopecia Totalis is condition in which total loss of scalp hair occurs and can follow on from unchecked alopecia areata.

Alopecia Universalis

The result is a loss of all body hair including eyebrows and eyelashes. This form of hair loss is very distressing.

Telogen Effluvium or ‘Diffuse Hair Loss’

This condition manifests itself in shedding from all parts of the scalp. A great deal of hair is shed before the effects become noticeable. Telogen Effluvium can be caused by high fever, thyroid, postnatal depression, anaemia, surgery, medication, emotional stress, shock, dental treatment, surgery or dieting. During pregnancy, high levels of female hormones generate healthy hair. Some women can experience diffuse hair loss after childbirth.

Chemotherapy and radiotherapy hair loss

Chemotherapy or radiotherapy drugs work by attacking rapidly-growing cancer cells in the body. Because hair follicle cells also multiply very quickly – like cancer cells – chemotherapy drugs have difficulty in discerning the difference. This means that cancer treatment also destroys fast-growing hair cells and the hair falls out. Damage is not irreparable however and hair usually grows back 6-8 weeks after chemotherapy treatment has ended.

Trichotillomania

A rare form of Alopecia that is extremely stressful and caused by a patient self-harming i.e. pulling his or her own hair out. Given the psychology surrounding this condition, sufferers may not initially admit to pulling their hair out. Although young children can be particularly prone to Trichotillomania, it normally affects adolescent age groups.

Scarring Conditions

Several scarring conditions may includeLichen Planus, Lupus Erythematosus, Folliculitis Decalvans and Pseudo Pelade. These conditions can be slowly progressive and scarring of the scalp causes permanent hair loss.

Traction Alopecia

A condition often caused by hair extensions or hair styles that cause physical trauma to the scalp e.g. cornrows, tight braiding which causes patchy to total hair loss prodominately around the hairline becomes weak and stops growing.

In addition to hair loss problems, scalp disorders can include:

Dandruff (Pityriasis capitis) – This condition is all too familiar and about half of all Caucasians will have had dandruff to some degree before they are 20. In most people, it disappears after the age of 50 or so. Dandruff is associated with a tiny yeast called pityrosporum ovale, which is normally permanently present on the scalp. In dandruff, there is an increase in the regular loss of cells from the skin surface and they are lost more quickly. As more cells are lost, the yeast grows more rapidly. These cells may clump together to produce the all-too-familiar flakes of dandruff.

Eczema and Dermatitis

Psoriasis – Chronic skin condition affecting 3% of the population. It appears as raised, inflamed skin topped with silvery white scales. In severe cases the whole of the scalp may be covered by scales and there may well be some hair loss. Severe cases are extremely uncomfortable and distressing.

Seborrhoeic Dermatitis – Scaling condition characterised by yellow, branny scales on the scalp and red, irritated skin. It is sometimes associated by an unusually greasy scalp. In babies, the condition is known as ‘Cradle Cap’. It can also affect the nose, eyebrows and ears. In severe cases, Seborrhoeic Dermatitis may lead to hair loss.

Infections

Head Lice(Pediculosis Capitis) – Infestation of parasites living off human hosts. The hosts are 6-legged creatures, 2 – 4 mm in size and grey in colour. They are found near the hairline, at the nape of the neck and around the ears. This condition is highly infectious (ova hatch within 5-8 days). Lice can live off the human scalp for up to 48 hours in scarves, hats, chair backs, combs, brushes etc.

Impetigo – Bacterial infection of the skin that results in weeping, crusted sores and produces itching. It is often seen in young children and is highly contagious.

Ringworm – Fungal infection which appears as pink, scaly patches on the skin. It is more likely to be caught from animals than from humans.

Reassuringly, many scalp conditions can be prevented or cured and there are a number of treatments available. It is always advisable to act quickly. For further in-depth information call us on 0800 083 2312